[Robotgroup] Tiny Robot Wanted!

[john at cozmicfunk.com]

Hey Grey,
I wanted to thank you for your public insight regarding this. Every once 
and a while, a topic emerges with direct relevance to my work.
I have been a fan of this movie forever. A week ago Andre also replied 
and then replied to me personally about this. The robots in this film 
are amazing, I wanted to make a replica of them for years. I even have 
the Japanese model kits of them but they are so tiny, you can't even do 
much with lights or motors etc.

These little ships are the best visual fusion of UFO's and Robots. I 
wonder why they never made any toys of them?
Also, I did email Javier about his prop and never received any word 
back. People are busy and these kinds of projects take a lot of time and 
inventive strategy. I feel very fortunate to be associated with a group 
of such giving and insight, especially Grey Mack who always so much to 
contribute in his knowledge and understanding of problem solving solutions!

I propose that we also do a prop class for those interested. Some of you 
know my miniature and model skills. In last couple of years I started to 
get into more motorized or robotic features of my models and I have to 
say it is the best challenge for me as an artist. I want to learn more 
from the seasoned veterans of this group. I think if we did some kind of 
class, those interested could learn from each other and we could all 
benefit. I want to share my successes of model and LED application 
aesthetics. Let me know if we can do a workshop on this. Have a great week:)

For those interested, I have updated my You tube channel with my short 
horror film I dis last year. I created all of the visual effects among 
everything else. I could have used more blood in the grand finale 
effect, live and learn.
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=cozmicpfunk
JPF

Gray Mack wrote:
> Javier, I saw this post recently and was wondering if
> you got anywhere with your robot designs.
> In looking at an example from the movie "Batteries Not
> Included"
> http://www.ketzer.com/original_movie_props/wheems.html
> You might be right that a real robot may not be the
> best approach for something small and detailed like
> that.
>
> My suggestion is to try to model it in a cad program.
> Something like autocad or google sketchup. Then you
> have a basis for your CGI model already done.
> And you can experiment with the little details like
> teeth, eyebrows, etc which are likely important in
> making your robot seem menacing or lovable or
> somewhere in between.
>
> The next step might be to check out some card folding
> applications. Download a free copy of Pepakura
> Designer ( http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/ )and
> see that it will import the format that your CAD
> program can export. This will allow you to print out a
> cut-out-and-fold paper model of your 3d design. You
> could probably transfer the design to thin sheet metal
> and tin snip it out for something more rigid. With
> some careful design, you might even be able to use
> some pushwire cables to animate it. Here is an example
> of a CAD to 3d paper model I created using these
> techniques in just one evening:
> http://robotics.meetup.com/69/photos/135747/1094946/
>
> You may find it hard to get anyone to volunteer to
> actually build one as it involves a lot of time and
> work. But it is something you could do yourself, or
> maybe you could find a way to get some kids involved
> for some sort of contest/prize?  
>
> -Gray
>
> --- Javier Bonafont <bonafont at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
>   
>> Hi robot afficionados.
>>
>> I'm an austin filmmaker and I have a possible Web
>> series that involves a
>> small robot, about 4" tall, and I'm looking for
>> somebody to help design and
>> build it.  There will be a CGI version of it also,
>> but I want to start with
>> the physical version.  Anyone in the austin area
>> interested?  possible
>> deferred pay if the pilot is picked up.
>>
>> The robot is essentially a mechanical puppet, not
>> necessarily a real robot,
>> but it has to look like something out of "batteries
>> not included" or
>> something of that nature, with parts that move and
>> light up, etc.
>>
>> email me for more information and details at
>> bonafont at sbcglobal.net
>>
>>
>> thanks!
>>
>> Javier Bonafont
>>     
>
>
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